ADF Dedicant Path: Nine Virtues (Courage)

mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

ADF’s definition is far too vague for me. What does it mean to “act appropriately?” This has a myriad of subjective interpretations, some of which might not even fit the definition of “courage.” ADFs definition seems to assume that everyone agrees courage is the appropriate response to danger. Virtuous behavior is subjective, so the term “appropriate” should be explained in this context.

The dictionary definition is better, except for its use of the word “withstand.” One does not need to withstand a dangerous situation in order to be courageous. If they die in battle, for example, they did not withstand the danger, though they may have fought courageously.

As with vision, the definition of courage as a virtue should include a willingness in addition to a strength or ability. A courageous and virtuous person should be willing to venture out of their comfort zones. This does not mean to venture for the sake of seeking out danger, but to be willing to encounter danger along the way as necessary.